Being on a road trip means being away from the comfort of our own home. To really enjoy our chosen type of getaway, we must know the things to consider and take note of before we begin our new journey – especially when dealing with communication.
When dealing with a more comfortable and more effective way of communicating when going on a trip, Walkie Talkies is one of the best options. It doesn’t just aid in two-way communication between people but also comes in very handy. For this blog, I collected the top brands of Walkie Talkies which you and your friends might want to bag before going on a road trip.
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5 Best Walkie Talkies for Road Trips
#1 Motorola T460
The Motorola T460 is an undeniably easy-type of walkie-talkie. If you are new to dealing with two-way radios, you will surely be free of having a hard time using them. This specific model comes with an easy to understand and simple type of commands and setting. Motorola T460 is also waterproof and proven as also weatherproof. This feature makes it even more interesting, especially for people who love going outside and dealing with nature. With an IP rating of 54, you won’t indeed be worried even during rainy or snowy weather while you are out on your trip.
Motorola T460 comes with a Quiet Talk feature, a notable feature for most Motorola’s products. Such feature aids in filtering out unwanted noise during transmissions of sound between two parties. It also comes with a unique feature involving disabling ringtones on your handset when a call is coming. Instead, this feature called “Vibracall” gives you an alert by setting a vibration. This model also comes with a hands-free part of letting you use your voice in developing commands for your walkie talkie. Motorola T460 also comes with a built-in LED flashlight, making it more beneficial when being on a road trip.
Specifications
- Brand: Motorola
- Range: 35 miles
- Power output: 2 watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: NiMH rechargeable battery or 3 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 7.54 x 2.26 x 1.37 inches
- Weight: 0.43 lb
- Waterproof: yes (IP54)
- License needed: yes, Â if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Motorola T460
- Batteries can last up to 26 hours according to Motorola.
- The Motorola T460 has a lot of helpful features.
- It has a functional design with a low weight.
- Everyone can use it due to its easy setup.
Main Plus: Handy and Powerful
Motorola is not just an ordinary two-way walkie talkie. Though it only weighs 0.43 lb, it has powerful features like Push-To-Talk (PTT) Power Boost, Emergency Alert, an Auto-Squelch quality and a battery that could last for 26 hours. Such features will not just make your travel and road trip more manageable but also serve as a protection for you while travelling.
Cons of the Motorola T460
- The range depends highly on the circumstances.
- The icons and buttons on the walkie talkie may take some getting used to.
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#2 Midland GXT1000VP4
If you are someone who prioritizes in finding a walkie talkie which features superior audio quality, then this model might be the one you are looking for.
The Midland GXT1000VP4 is an elegant-designed walkie-talkie made by Midland. It offers a five-watt power output and has a frequency that ranges from 462-467 MHz. It comes with a waterproof and splashproof feature with a rating of JIS-4 based on the criteria made by the Japan Industrial Standards. This rating shows that Midland GXT1000VP4’s handset will continue working even when struck by water. Moreover, this feature does not mean that such a model can handle being submerged in liquid.
With the size of 7.9 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches, Midland GXT1000VP4 has a reliable frequency that can reach up to a distance of thirty-six miles. Aside from its fantastic range, this model also offers a high quality of its transmitted audios. It also comes with two power options: either running it through rechargeable batteries or using alkaline batteries instead.
Specifications
- Brand: Midland
- Range: 36 miles
- Power output: 5 watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: NiMH rechargeable battery or 4 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 7.9 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 0.3 lb
- Waterproof: yes (JIS4)
- License needed: yes, Â if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Midland GXT1000VP4
- The walkie talkie has an excellent range.
- It has crisp audio quality.
- It. has an SOS siren feature that sends out a location.
- The radio can access NOAA weather channels and reports.
- It has silent features like the whisper function and vibration mode.
Main Plus: Secured Back-Up
Getting yourself a Midland GXT1000VP4 model will not just make communication during your road trips more practical. This model also secures your safety with its outstanding emergency features. It comes with an SOS siren which automatically sends alert signals which don’t just transmit distress signals in case you require help, but also transmits your location to your group as well.
Cons of the Midland GXT1000VP4
- It is not so user-friendly.
- The walkie talkie has average battery life.
- It is expensive compared to other similar or more simple radios.
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#3 Baofeng BF-F8HP
Among all other walkie talkie brands, I can say that Baofeng BF-F8HP is one game-changer. This model is suited for you if you already have advanced knowledge of using walkie talkies. This two-way radio made by Baofeng offers high-quality and top-notch features at an affordable price. With the different set of unique features, it can offer, spending your money on this model will never be a waste.
The Baofeng BF-F8HP comes with a frequency that ranges from 65 to 108 megahertz ( the reception for the FM Radio), Very High Frequency: 136 to 174 megahertz (Rx/Tx), Ultra High Frequency: 400 to 520 megahertz (Rx/Tx). It has an eight-watt power output and a battery of 2000 milliamperes. It has a reliable battery which can last up to 24 hours.
This model of walkie talkie also offers a variety of power levels. Starting from Low, Mid, and up to High level with 1w, 4/5w, and 7/8w of watts, respectively. Its memory channels are also wide, having a total of 128 in just a single device. Each of these channels also contains information like Rx and tx frequencies, the Transmit power, some group signaling information, the bandwidth, ANI/PTT-ID settings, and a 6-character channel name from alphanumeric style.
Specifications
- Brand: Baofeng
- Range: 25 miles
- Power output: 8 Watts
- Frequency ranges: 65-108 MHz (FM radio reception), VHF: 136-174 MHz (Rx/TX), UHF: 400-520 MHz (Rx/TX)
- Battery: 2,000 mAh Li-ion Battery
- Size: 3.75 (+ 6.5 inches with the antenna) x 2 x 1.25 inches
- Weight: 0.49 lb
- Waterproof: no information
- License needed: yes (amateur / FCC license)
Pros of the Baofeng BF-F8HP
- Great value for your money; affordable price for a high-quality device.
- Easy setup: It comes with a well-detailed user manual.
- The radio has many features that make the device a powerful tool to use.
- The Baofeng BF-F8HP has excellent sound quality and a reliable battery.
- It has commendable transmitting power and wide coverage.
- You can select multiple power levels.
- It is built with a voice command for easy and convenient usage.
Main Plus: Beauty Behind Toughness
Baofeng BF-F8HP may look too dull at first glance, but this model offers an extraordinary and reliable design. This walkie talkie has a Tri-Color Display of LCD screen, a 7-inch antenna which aids in achieving a more transparent mode of reception, a keypad lock and also a scanning mode. Such methods don’t just add colour to this model but also makes it more enjoyable to use.
Cons of the Baofeng BF-F8HP
- It may not be waterproof
- Complicated use, especially for beginners.
- Software is needed to configure and program the device.
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#4 Motorola T200
If ease of use is what you are primarily considering in getting a walkie talkie, then I suggest you check this model out.
The Motorola T200 sets the standard in providing the most user-friendly type of walkie talkies. This model offers the most comfortable use that even young children and beginners could quickly adapt to. It comes in size with dimensions of 6.42 x 2.13 x 1.24 inches and weighing a total of 0.4 pounds. It has a power output having 0.5 watts (FRS) / 2 watts (FRS/GMRS) and a total frequency range of 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS).
Though it is not considered a waterproof model, this walkie talkie still offers many unique and reliable features. This model is undeniably easy to use, with straightforward steps in setting it up. It is also lightweight but still offers high-quality durability. The signal it transmits is also apparent enough for those who love to go on a road trip. And most importantly, this model is very affordable and does not require a license for its users when used with FRS channels.
Specifications
- Brand: Motorola
- Range: 20 miles
- Power output: 0.5 watt (FRS) / 2 watts (FRS/GMRS)
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: NiMH rechargeable battery or 3 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 6.42 x 2.13 x 1.24 inches
- Weight: 0.4 lb
- Waterproof: no
- License needed: yes, Â if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Motorola T200
- The walkie talkie is easy to use, lightweight and durable.
- The signal is clear enough.
- It is affordable.
- You don’t need a license if you use it within FRS channels.
- It has 121 privacy codes and 22 channels that can be used within the restaurant employees only
Main Plus: Economically Smart
This model also offers a unique battery saving mode. It is considered as an Eco Smart device which possesses a time-out timer which immediately locks the handset when it is not in use. It has an installed distinct battery alert which will release warnings if the walkie talkie is already running out of power.
Cons of the Motorola T200
- The handsets are not waterproof.
- The features may be too limited if you plan to use if for professional.
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#5 Retevis RT21
Choosing the appropriate walkie talkies to buy might get too complicated when you don’t know any single idea about it. If you are someone who is seeking for simpleness yet reliable, I can say that Retevis RT21 is the right walkie talkie for you.
The Retevis RT21 is a very simple and user-friendly walkie talkie that comes with many beneficial features. It has a power output of 2.5 watts, equipped with a rechargeable Li-ion battery. Its range can reach up to 2.5 miles with a reliable frequency level of 400-480MHz (UHF). Though it is only 4.8 x 2.17 x 1.1 inches in dimension and only weighs about 0.39 pounds, it can still offer you a reliable and effective mode of two-way communication for your road trips. License is needed in owning this model, specifically if FRS channels will not be used.
Specifications
- Brand: Retevis
- Range: 2.5 miles
- Power output: 2.5 Watts
- Frequency ranges: 400-480MHz (UHF)
- Battery: rechargeable Li-ion battery
- Size: 4.8 x 2.17 x 1.1 inches
- Weight: 0.39 lb
- Waterproof: no information
- License needed: yes, Â if FRS channels will not be used (amateur / FCC license)
Pros of the Retevis RT21
- The device has long-lasting batteries.
- It has a power-saving mode.
- The Retevis RT21 is durable and offers one-meter fall protection.
- It enables clear and smooth communication.
- The RT21 has a VOX-Feature (hands-free function).
- The walkie talkie has a channel lock feature.
Main Plus: Reliable Durability
Retevis RT21 is not just a typical walkie talkie. This model provides fall protection with an approximate length of one meter. Aside from this, it also contains a privacy and encryption setting, which secures the line of communication between you and the one you are trying to communicate with.
Cons of the Retevis RT21
- It has a bounded range with the interference of buildings and establishments.
- The earpiece goes around the ear, which can be quite uncomfortable.
- The RT21 cannot reach more than a three-mile radius.
How to Choose the best Walkie Talkie for Road Trips
Getting an appropriate walkie talkie before you take on an adventure is one secret weapon. And for you to get the best-suited walkie talkie, you must know specific ideas on getting one. Listed below are my top five things to consider and things to know in choosing the best model of walkie talkie for your next road trip.
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Purpose
In getting a walkie talkie, you must first know your primary purpose for getting one. Know your exact reason why you are getting one. Evaluate your need for it and see where you are strictly using it. In this way, it will be easier for you to know the correct characteristic of a walkie-talkie that will satisfy your need. It will be easier for you to find lists of models and brands that may be the right for your taste. Knowing what you need will also help you prepare your budget before purchasing one and saving you from the trouble of getting the wrong item.
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Hands-Free Communication
Having a hands-free communication device during trips is essential. When you are outside and far from your comfort zone, you tend to get cautious and observant of your surroundings. Having yourself the appropriate hands-free communication device like a walkie-talkie will not just serve as your way of communicating with others, but most importantly, save you from serious troubles. Before getting yourself a walkie-talkie, conduct a thorough research first on the models and brands which offer a high quality of features. After all, you wouldn’t want to spend your money on a product that doesn’t do its job well, right?
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Usability and Durability
Durability and usability is one central aspect to consider before purchasing any product. Before you get your walkie-talkie, feel knowing how well that particular product can perform. Do not just base on how great its design looks. Instead, know its primary keys and performances it can offer. Considering characteristics like the product being waterproof and weatherproof is one best example since you are finding a product which you will be using a lot outdoors. This step is one smart way of getting the best walkie talkie for your next trip.
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Battery Life
Walkie talkies are mainly battery operated. It has a considered general rule of thumb, which indicates that a total of one watt of power is equivalent to a coverage distance of up to one mile. Meaning, the higher the wattage of your walkie talkie, the higher is its range.
In getting yourself a walkie talkie, it is one smart move to know details like this first. Since you are getting one to use for your future travel, it is only a must that the item you are getting will help you a lot and not cause any complications once you are already on your trip. Consider listing first your choices and their battery-related features. In this way, it will be easier for you to spot the appropriate one to purchase.
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Range and Frequency
Two-Way communication is positively affected by the level of range and frequency your device has. Radio-type devices like walkie talkies have their level of coverage and frequency. Each class differs for every product. When you are considering getting one, it is essential to know how much your chosen device can perform well. Manufacturers usually put the description of their product’s range and frequency on their product’s description. It is best that aside from reading this, you should also conduct your research about it. In some cases, you can go read and watch reviews online. In this way, you will learn from their words and get the appropriate information from those who have already tried and tested the actual product.
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Emergency Readiness
Walkie talkies often come with an emergency feature. Various products have specific emergency channels. These channels often receive weather news and alert about natural disasters, which would surely help travelers. There are even models that possess emergency weather alerts, so its users do not need to worry about setting their walkie talkies manually to monitor these particular channels.
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Licensing
It may sound unreal to others but getting your walkie talkies licensed is a real thing. There are various models and brands of walkie talkies that seek to get a license first to access specific channels. Getting a permit for your walkie talkie will enable you to have access to secured frequencies with little third-party interruption. There are various personal radio services in the USA which offer licensing for walkie talkies. Consider choosing walkie-talkie brands and models that support secured licensing for much more practical and effective use.
Why should I use a Walkie Talkie for Road Trips?
Being on a road trip means being away from the place where you feel most comfortable. When you are on a road trip, it is a must to know that gadgets like cell phones and computers can’t always help you keep stable contact with the other individual you are with. When you reach areas that have complicated stability of communication, you might experience trouble contacting your colleagues. This is where walkie talkies take action.
If you are still having second thoughts on getting one, I listed below my top two reasons for getting one before your next trip.
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Secures stable Communication
As mentioned earlier, communication can be unstable once you are on a road trip. Communication varies for every place. There would be instances where the communication’s stability becomes rough in some areas making it hard to communicate between people. When you have a walkie talkie with you, things like these would be much easier to handle. You would not be getting worried about being quiet away from the people you are with. By just getting the appropriate model of a walkie talkie that offers the best range of frequency and transmitting, communicating with others will be just a piece of cake for you and your road trip buddies.
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Ensures Safety
Walkie Talkies do not just aid in giving reliable communication between people. It also offers a dedicated safety and a sense of readiness among its users. Various walkie talkie models have emergency channels and SOS alerts, which is sure of many travelers’ help. They often have weather and natural disaster updates, which sends warnings to people who are using them. In some cases, it can also help in finding specific locations of someone’s whereabouts through transmitting distress signals.
Conclusion – The 5 best Walkie Talkies for Road Trips
Going on Road Trips is considered by many as their great escape. To many of us, being in one feels like you are reborn and free from all of your worries brought by the harsh reality of life. When we are on a road trip, we don’t just ride in a vehicle, travel, or go sight-seeing, but most importantly, being on a road trip helps us discover things we don’t have any idea about before. Dealing with this type of activity might become too challenging for us if we don’t have the right tools, especially in communicating. If you are particular about having a useful mode of communication and safety during trips, vacations, and even road trips, then getting yourself the best walkie talkie might be worth considering.
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